Projects

The Ask

Develop a long-term strategic partnership between an existing fashion brand and a company outside of the fashion industry. My project focused on creating a collaboration that could drive growth, reach new audiences, generate long-term value, and strengthen each brand’s positioning over time. I was asked to outline how the partnership would function, what each company would contribute, how value and responsibilities would be shared, and how the collaboration could continue evolving in a way that remained relevant and sustainable.

The Process

This project was built entirely on a risk. I wanted to prove that my knowledge extended beyond merchandising, so I committed to competing in the Business Strategy discipline. I started by researching both industries to understand where their audiences and values overlapped, then developed a concept centered around storytelling, growth, and cultural relevance.

Early on, I explored a few directions that looked strong on paper but did not feel authentic to me, so I pivoted. That shift helped me focus on what actually mattered and create something that felt intentional and aligned with my perspective.

Once the concept solidified, I outlined how the partnership would function, what each brand would contribute, how the storytelling would unfold, and where long term value could be created. From there, I refined the execution and shaped the experience into something that felt elevated, clear, and true to both brands.

Skills Utilized

This project strengthened my ability to work between creative execution and analytical thinking. I used Adobe Photoshop to design mockups of packaging, book covers, and presentation slides that helped visualize the collaboration in a tangible way. I also used Microsoft Excel to build financial projections, calculate investment costs, and outline profit sharing structures that supported the long term viability of the partnership.

Beyond the technical side, the project pushed me to develop stronger skills in brand positioning, visual communication, and strategic planning. I had to think carefully about how to connect two distinct industries in a way that felt believable while still maintaining the identity of each brand. Every decision, from the storytelling to the visual presentation, needed to support a clear and cohesive experience.

The process also strengthened my ability to communicate complex ideas in a more accessible and intentional way. Rather than approaching the project purely from a merchandising perspective, I had to think about customer engagement, cultural relevance, and how a partnership could continue evolving over time.

The Outcome

My final concept showed how two industries could come together through storytelling to create both cultural and commercial value. It pushed me to connect research with design, balance creativity with strategy, and communicate ideas clearly. Although I was not selected as a 2026 FSF Scholar, I learned that business strategy is intentional decision making and a key factor in a company’s long term success and growth.

Also worth noting, A few months after I submitted this case study, Dior ended up making a collection based off the hungry caterpillar, another classic children’s book by Eric Carle. Great minds think alike I guess.

View The Full Case Study Here

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